Wheel bearing replacement time?

[bigjones]

Hi Folks,
While the front of the car was jacked up, I grabbed the tire at 12 and 6 o' clock and yanked back and forth. There was about 1/8" movement. Is that about normal or does this mean I should replace the wheel bearings? Other side was the same.
Cheers,
Adrian

 

[jhorton3]

Might be a good idea to swap those out too with the other suspension bits. If you haven't replaced them or don't know who has I'd go ahead and do it.

 

[tony barnhill]

Yep, time to strip the front end & redo everything - sounds lie.

 

[jlaird]

1/8 inch is bad. 1/16th is not even good.

 

[tony barnhill]

Could these 2 threads be combined into 1 thread about general front end problems?

 

[PeterC]

Hi Folks,
While the front of the car was jacked up, I grabbed the tire at 12 and 6 o' clock and yanked back and forth. There was about 1/8" movement. Is that about normal or does this mean I should replace the wheel bearings? Other side was the same.
Cheers,
Adrian

If the movement is still there with the brakes applied, it is NOT bearings. If it goes away completely with the brakes applied, it IS bearings.

Peter C.

 

[10musketeer]

Nice tip.. I need to write that down and make sure I don't forget that one. I may be doing a front end soon.

 

[bigjones]

Wow. Good tip Peter!

Btw folks, new tie rod ends should get here by the weekend. I'll post pics of my progress!

Cheers,
Adrian

PS. John, do you play Aces High (hitechcreations.com)?

 

[jvandyke]

I had my wheels off for a lube and noticed a bit of play, driver's side, when I grab at 9 and 3 o'clock. I'll try it with the brakes on before I get too nervous, I guess. Other side doesn't move around at all.

 

[jvandyke]

Rechecked, both sides wiggle a tad with or without brake applied. Will monitor and solder on.....